Discover Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport combines nature experiences with insights into its maritime history. In the nature preserves, trails wind through varied landscapes; at Goose Rocks Beach, white sand, the Atlantic and offshore islands shape the view. There are also historic homes, a lighthouse and places where you can discover Kennebunkport’s history in different ways. When planning your search for a vacation rental, it’s worth first considering which of these experiences you’d like to shape your stay most.

Trails and nature in the preserves

At Emmons Preserve, you can hike and snowshoe. One specific feature to help you find your way: the trail from the starting point to the labyrinth is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers along a stone-dust path. This information applies to this section only, not to all the trails in the preserve.

Smith Preserve covers more than 1,100 acres and offers 10 miles of recreational trails. It primarily serves as a wildlife habitat. At the same time, a variety of activities are possible there: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and birdwatching. When planning an outing, you can choose between walking the trails, biking and observing nature, without all the experiences sharing the same focus.

Another specific route is the Batson River Trail: it runs for 1.8 miles from the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust headquarters to Tyler Brook Preserve. Its length and the two named endpoints give you a clear reference for planning your day; by themselves, they don’t indicate how long the walk takes or how difficult it is.

Beach, water and local landmarks

At Goose Rocks Beach, you’ll find miles of white sand, views of the Atlantic and the islands, and seals. This is a different focus from the trails in the preserves: here, the beach and ocean views take center stage, while the preserves feature recreational trails and wildlife.

Grist Mill Property offers public access to Mast Cove and has a public boat launch for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. It is also within walking distance of Lower Village.

Maritime history and culture

Goat Island Lighthouse was built in 1833. It belongs to the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, which also maintains it. During the summer months, visitors can reach the lighthouse by boat or view it from the landing at the end of Pier Road in Cape Porpoise.

White Columns is a Victorian house dating from 1853. On guided tours, you can see the original furnishings; the tours also cover Kennebunkport’s shipbuilding and maritime traditions. If you’re interested in architecture and local history, this visit combines a look inside the house with the history of seafaring and shipbuilding.

The Kennebunkport Historical Society offers further historical insights through guided tours of Dock Square. They focus on social, cultural and architectural stories. At the Seashore Trolley Museum, four miles of the Atlantic Shore Line route between Town House Square and Biddeford have been preserved at Log Cabin Road in Kennebunkport. From the public viewing gallery at the Donald G. Curry Restoration Shop, visitors can see vehicles currently being maintained or restored. The George H.W. Bush Hometown Collection is a one-day exhibit featuring a room about President George H.W. Bush in Kennebunkport.

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More destination pages: Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Limerick, South Berwick, York, Buxton, North Berwick, Wells.

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